A family in Llandaff has been left reeling after a shocking betrayal by their 20-year-old son, Ryan Jones. When Ryan asked to borrow his dad’s phone to send himself some photos, no one expected the outcome would be a heart-wrenching financial theft. Ryan secretly transferred over £12,000 to his own account, leaving his parents devastated.
The story unfolded when dad, Arfon Jones, received a bank alert about suspicious transactions totalling £12,100. Despite the betrayal, Arfon and his wife yearn to keep Ryan as part of their family, choosing forgiveness over estrangement.
But the twists didn’t end there. In an incident on Llanedeyrn Road, police stopped a car driven by Ryan, who was found to be under the influence of cannabis and uninsured. Further incidents revealed Ryan had been in possession of a butterfly knife and 143g of cannabis. Not stopping there, he purchased a car using a false name and was involved in a dramatic crash, which fortunately didn’t result in injury.
Ryan’s actions led to charges of theft, fraud, drug driving, and more. Despite no prior convictions, his actions strained familial bonds and led to legal consequences. In court, his father’s heart-breaking statement detailed how the family felt used and deeply hurt. Yet, Ryan’s family continues to stand by him, hopeful for his future.
The judge acknowledged Ryan’s struggles with identity and mental health, which have led to his misguided actions. He was sentenced to a year in jail, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and a driving ban. Taking steps towards redemption, Ryan has moved in with his partner and started work as a bartender.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of family ties, forgiveness, and the hope for change, even in the face of deep personal disappointment.